CWS is appointing four senior CRS staff to develop vital aspects of the merger of the two societies. CRS general manager IT and supply chain Phil Davies becomes a programme leader, overseeing these aspects of the merger. CRS secretary Stephen Connah becomes CWS joint deputy secretary. CRS chief financial officer and chief executive, funerals, Chris Thompson, continues to manage the CRS funeral business as well as integrating the financial management of CRS and CWS. CRS human resources controller Roger Pickering takes charge of the human resources aspects of the transition in his position as head of organisation change and development, CWS commercial division. {{TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT }}